Controller

THE COMPANY: 

Hiyo started when three changemakers had one disruptive idea: rethink the way the world drinks.

In April 2019, two of Hiyo’s co-founders, Evan Quinn and George Youmans, had relatives hospitalized with alcohol-related issues, which caused both to cut back on their drinking in solidarity with their families. In their late 20s and social to boot, the two soon discovered the massive need for an alternative to alcohol that actually deserved its place at the table. To them, the existing choices all felt like sacrifices, and each one was missing the main reason they wanted to drink—the feeling.

Intrigued by their newfound sober curiosity and the lack of options in the non-alcoholic beverage space, they began brainstorming product concepts alongside their close friend from college, Cygne Cooper. This marked the genesis of Hiyo, a non-alcoholic social tonic which produces a similar stress-relieving, mood-boosting feeling that  people usually seek from alcohol, but instead from healthy, functional ingredients.

The three co-founders have spent years honing their proprietary blend of adaptogens, nootropics, and botanicals to achieve the optimal feel-good “float” effect. With six functionals at the forefront of this feeling, Hiyo launched its first three fruit-forward flavors in May 2021. Since then, Hiyo has added three new flavors to its growing line of functional seltzers while showing up in thousands of stores and social spaces across the country. It is currently one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the United States.

THE ROLE: 

Hiyo is seeking a highly capable, detail-oriented Controller to join its Finance & Accounting team during a critical phase of growth.  Reporting to the VP of Finance, this role will own the day-to-day accounting function, close process, and internal controls. The Controller will lead the recruiting and build out of the company’s Accounting team.  This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in high-growth environments, enjoys building structure, and takes pride in getting the details right.  

The Controller will partner closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and external advisors to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting and establish a strong control environment with scalable accounting processes to support the rapid growth of the company. This role will own Accounting for equity-related activity (e.g., stock-based compensation, warrants, and other financing-related transactions) and ensure audit, diligence readiness. The Controller will drive data integrity across our systems and ensure financials are accurately reported to the team.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Accounting & Financial Close

• Own the monthly and annual close process with preparation and review of financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Maintain the general ledger and oversee all core accounting activities, including management of revenue, inventory, COGS, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets and payroll
• Establish and continuously improve close checklists, timelines, and documentation standards
• Ensure proper cut-off and reconciliation across sales, inventory and supply chain transactions

Inventory, COGS & Operations Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting across raw materials, WIP and finished goods in partnership with Operations team
• Ensure accurate COGS calculations, standard vs. actual costing, and variance analysis
• Partner with Operations team on inventory controls, cycle counts, and reconciliations between the ERP and general ledger
• Support costing methodologies for new products, packs & channels as the business scales

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

• Own accounting system integrity across accounting platform, inventory management system, payroll and accounts payable platforms
• Design, document, and enforce accounting policies with appropriate internal controls
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline and eliminate manual processes
• Support audit readiness, bank requests, and future diligence needs

Team & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Recruit, develop and manage internal accounting team and coordinate with external partners as the business scales
• Act as a key partner to the VP of Finance, helping translate business activity into financial reporting to the executive team
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including Finance, Sales, Operations, Marketing and external accounting partners to enhance financial reporting across the organization
• Serve as a trusted accounting resource for leadership providing guidance and navigating accounting requirements for the Company

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, sales tax, state and local filings, and other regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with external accountants and auditors on tax filing, year-end reporting, reviewed reports and audits as required
• Maintain strong documentation to support financial statements, audits, and internal reviews

Equity, Capital Structure & Complex Accounting

• Own the accounting and reporting for equity-related transactions including stock-based compensation, options, warrants, and other equity instruments
• Partner with external valuation firms on 409A valuations and ensure accurate equity expense recognition
• Maintain accurate equity schedules and capitalization tables to reconciling across legal, HR, and accounting records

THE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA preferred; MBA a plus)
• 7-12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or senior accounting roles
• Strong GAAP knowledge with extensive experience owning a full close process
• Experience in high growth CPG, food & beverage, manufacturing or inventory-intensive businesses is strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with stock-based compensation and equity instruments (e.g., options, warrants, convertible notes)
• Familiarity with 409A valuation processes and coordination with external valuation providers
• Experience working with general ledger and ERP systems 
• Proven ability to build processes and controls in high-growth environments
• Strong attention to detail, ability to partner effectively with senior leadership, and develop junior team members
• Effective written and verbal communicator who can explain accounting concepts to non-accountants and partner cross-functionally 

THE OFFER: 

• $150k base salary with competitive bonus structure and equity incentive
• Comprehensive benefits package, including unlimited vacation, 401(k) plan, healthcare coverage, and wellness stipend
• Regular team outings, offsites, and culture-building events that reflect Hiyo’s values and team-first mindset
• Leadership role with ability to make a significant impact on the overall company as we scale the finance, accounting and operating infrastructure
• Build a high-performing team and establish strong cross-functional partnerships
• Opportunity to grow with a category-defining non-alcoholic beverage brand

This role offers the opportunity to shape the accounting function for a category-defining non-alcoholic beverage brand, driving clarity, accountability, and insights that power Hiyo’s next stage of growth.